ARPA Grant Reimburses Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits for New Energy Efficient Equipment and Operations


8/13/2024 • 1 day ago

The City of Cambridge and the Office of Sustainability today announced the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits ARPA Program that provides financial assistance to Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses will receive financial assistance in the form of reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment that makes their business operations or building more energy efficient, reduces their use of fossil fuels, or that provides renewable energy to power their operations.

Eligible businesses and non-profits may apply for up to $250,000 in reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment such as energy efficient lighting and refrigeration, heat pumps, induction ranges, electric water heating equipment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, rooftop solar, electric and solar hot water systems, and more. Funding is only available for equipment costs and is not intended to cover installation or other costs. Equipment that uses fossil fuels is not eligible for reimbursement.

Organizations are eligible to participate in this program if they are based in Cambridge, have fewer than 500 employees, and if they can demonstrate that they have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cambridge businesses that have previously received ARPA funding for other purposes are likely to be eligible and are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants will also be required to complete a no-cost Mass Save Small Business Energy Assessment, or to have had one completed within the past 6 months. Organizations are able to take advantage of savings from both the Mass Save Small Business Program and the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits ARPA Program simultaneously.

“We are excited to further support Cambridge businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with this unique program,” said Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Climate Initiatives. “The energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades covered by this grant will help local businesses reduce both their energy costs and their climate impact, so everyone benefits.”

To get started, Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizations are encouraged to visit the program website for complete details and to complete an application: www.cambridgema.gov/greenequipmentgrant

Applications will be accepted and funding will be issued on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026, or until all program funds – which total $700,000 - have been awarded.

Questions about this program can be sent to GreenEquipmentGrant@cetonline.org.